This may be sensitive so I’ll tread lightly. Alex Tuch is a fan favorite for many reasons. He’s big, young, skilled and charismatic. What’s not to like? Well, maybe his play as of late. Instead of making the argument myself, let’s let the numbers speak for themselves.
Since January 1, 2018
13 points
5 goals (two scored on 3/8)
8 assists
-7 +/- (-3 on 3/16)
0 Power Play goals
0 SOG eight times
1 SOG nine times
2 SOG ten times
6+ SOG twice: 2/26 (7), 1/25 (6)
5 five-game scoreless streaks: 1/7-1/19 (5 games), 1/23-2/02 (5 games), 2/8-2/19 (6 games), 2/23-3/4 (5 games), 3/10-3/18 (5 games)
Over the last few months, Tuch’s production has been disappointing, totaling only 13 points (5G, 8A) since January 1st (He scored eight goals and tallied 10 assists in five fewer games in 2017). What’s just as worrisome is Tuch’s overall game (points per game, shot attempts, time on ice, plus/minus) has regressed since the new year as well.
+6 before January 1st
-7 since January 1st
+4 in October, +1 in November, +3 in December, +0 in January, -4 in February, -3 in March
Five games of -1 or worse in March
Eight games of -1 or worse in FebruaryAll Star head coach Gerard Gallant has been decreasing Tuch’s total ice time as the season’s worn on.
Average TOI: 14:59
25 games played average TOI or less
16 games of 15 minutes or less since 1/1
12 games of 14 minutes or less since 1/1
3 games of 11 minutes or less since 1/1
6 games of 15 minutes or less since 3/1
14 minutes or less in four off last five games
Over his last 20 games Tuch is -6, earned a measly six points, and has three scoreless streaks of five or more games. Another alarming statistic is Tuch’s lack of shots on net. Since January 1st, #89 failed to register a SOG in eight different games.
SOG breakdown
October 17 SOG
November 31 SOG
December 33 SOG
January 25 SOG
February 29 SOG
March 19 SOG
Tuch is a rookie and he’s never played this many games so maybe this is normal progression. However, Vegas will need their entire squad to succeed in the playoffs. Gallant has talked about the 21-year-old using his big body to improve his point production. If the Golden Knights want to win and win big in the playoffs, Tuch will have to be a factor.
Vegas is 11-1-0 when Tuch scores
Vegas is 23-6-0 when Tuch earns a point
Let’s dust off TuchShow89 for the playoffs.
GWK
Any winger who is centered by Cody Eakin see’s a dip in offensive production.
Mark
Nice research Jason. I personally the problem is two fold:
1. As you mentioned, he may have hit a wall. It happens to a lot of young guys. A one day rest, where he can soak it in from the press box may help. But that leads partly to my next thought
2. Also, before Tatar arrived, Tuch was the guy up and down the lineup when injuries started to hit. Messing with his chemistry. Others Injuries have not helped with his continuity, and also makes it hard to give him a night off.
Carmine
Has had multiple opportunities to score just hasn’t hit the net.